Green Infrastructure Projects

Tony Devenish: Could the Mayor provide a list of how many green infrastructure projects have been completed, or scheduled to start in 2020, and on which roads?

The Mayor: Green infrastructure is an integral part of Transport for London’s (TfL's) improvement schemes, particularly as part of its Healthy Streets portfolio.
As you might expect, TfL’s improvement plans for 2020/21 will need to be reviewed in light of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak and as such, details are not currently available.
However, I have asked TfL to provide you with an update on this when available.

TfL in Havering and Redbridge

Keith Prince: Are you satisfied that all TfL’s areas of responsibility in Havering and Redbridge are being improved in a timely manner?

The Mayor: I have set out an ambitious programme for London in my Transport Strategy, and a lot has been achieved in these boroughs over the last four years, including five stations having been made step free - South Woodford, Buckhurst Hill, Newbury Park, Gidea Park and Harold Wood.
Transport for London (TfL) has upgraded a number of roads and junctions including investing £3.4m in making Redbridge and Charlie Browns Roundabouts safer. The Ardleigh Green Bridge replacement has been completed, and TfL is working closely with Havering Council and the DfT on plans to replace the flyover at Gallows Corner.
On cycling, Quietway 6 was completed in 2018, and TfL has consulted on a new cycling route connecting Ilford with Stratford. The bus network is also being improved, and the A12 Eastern Avenue Low Emission Bus Zone has decreased harmful emissions by 91 per cent.
While there is still more to do, like fully opening the Elizabeth Line and improving the Central line, I am determined to keep working to ensure we can continue to invest in a safe, reliable and affordable transport network for the whole of London.

London’s Underground cleaners

Navin Shah: Can you outline the differences interms and conditions between those people employed to clean the London Underground by ABM and those employed directly by London Underground? Specifically, the differences relating to travel facilities, sick pay and an occupational pension scheme.

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) and I recognise the vital role that ABM Facility Services UK Limited (ABM) staff play in keeping London Underground clean and safe. TfL’s contract with ABM ensures that TfL’s high standards of cleanliness on the transport network are maintained and enhanced. Given the current challenges of Covid-19, the work of ABM’s staff on London Underground has never been more important. They are doing an amazing job in these extraordinarily difficult times and I thank each and every one of them for their commitment and service to our city.
ABM’s contract includes the condition that all cleaners are paid the London Living Wage. ABM also pays employees holiday pay, has a recognition scheme in place with access to rewards, and supports staff in a number of areas, including wellbeing.
ABM cleaning staff are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay, paid by ABM, for up to 28 weeks. In relation to Covid-19, ABM cleaning staff have the ability to self-isolate with full pay so that they don’t feel forced to attend work for financial reasons. ABM’s duty of care for cases of long-term illness includes a welfare process of meetings and referrals to an occupational health provider when required. This is in accordance with standard industry practice. ABM staff are issued with Staff Travel Cards, for the performance of their duties, which allow them to travel between stations. Permanent staff are enrolled in the Government workplace pension scheme, unless they volunteer to opt out. Currently the employee contributes 5 per cent, and ABM 3 per cent, as required by the scheme.
TfL operates a scheme whereby personnel are entitled to sick pay at full contractual salary of between nine weeks to 39 weeks dependent on length of service. TfL pays Statutory Sick Pay for 28 weeks and the employee claims the balance from the Benefits Agency. TfL issues staff travel cards to all personnel which provides travel across the TfL network and 75 per cent reimbursement of a season ticket on the rail network, subject to taxation. TfL operates a final salary pension scheme to its staff, for which the individual contributes 5 per cent of contributory pensionable salary.